A school bus being transported on a wooden boat in Lamu County has taken social media by storm, leaving many Kenyans puzzled about how such a heavy vehicle can stay afloat without sinking.
The Physics of Buoyancy
The bus, belonging to Kiunga Secondary School, was seen carefully placed on a boat moving across the water. This is possible due to Archimedes’ Principle, which states that an object in water experiences an upward force equal to the weight of the water it displaces.
Since the boat is large and made of wood a material less dense than water it displaces enough water to support the bus’s weight. This keeps it from sinking.
Why the Boat Remains Stable
To ensure stability, the bus is placed at the center of the boat to balance its weight. If positioned unevenly, the boat could tip over. Additionally, the boat has a wide hull, which helps it displace more water and stay steady. A lower center of gravity also improves stability, preventing the boat from capsizing.
A Town Built on Water
Lamu, one of Kenya’s oldest towns, has a unique transport system. With narrow streets unsuitable for cars, residents rely on motorcycles, donkeys, and boats for transportation. Boats serve as taxis, buses, and even freight trucks, transporting goods—including school buses